Kishkindha Kanda (Book of Kishkindha)
The Alliance with the Vanaras and the Search for Sita.
Summary
Kishkindha Kanda is set in the monkey kingdom of Kishkindha. It marks a pivotal moment where Rama secures the alliance needed to find Sita and fight Ravana. Rama and Lakshmana meet Hanuman, the minister of the exiled Vanara king Sugriva. Recognizing Rama's divinity, Hanuman facilitates a friendship between Rama and Sugriva.
Rama helps Sugriva regain his kingdom and wife by killing his valiant but unjust brother, Vali. In return, Sugriva promises to help Rama find Sita. After the rainy season passes, Sugriva mobilizes his massive army of Vanaras to search for Sita in all four directions. The southern search party, led by Angada and guided by Hanuman and Jambavan, learns from the vulture Sampati that Sita is being held captive in Lanka, across the southern ocean. The book concludes with the dilemma of how to cross the ocean, setting the stage for Hanuman's great leap.
Key Events
- Rama and Lakshmana arrive at Pampa Lake.
- First meeting with Hanuman.
- The pledge of friendship between Rama and Sugriva.
- Rama proves his strength by piercing seven Sala trees with one arrow.
- The battle between Vali and Sugriva; Rama kills Vali.
- Sugriva's coronation and Angada installed as Prince.
- The four-month wait during the rainy season (Chaturmasya).
- Lakshmana's fury at Sugriva's apparent delay.
- Sugriva sends search parties in four directions.
- The southern party meets Sampati, who reveals Sita's location in Lanka.
- Jambavan reminds Hanuman of his latent powers.
Key Verse
"नानृग्वेदविनीतस्य नायजुर्वेदधारिणः |
नासामवेदविदुषः शक्यमेवं विभाषितुम् ||"
(Kishkindha Kanda 4.3.28)
Translation: One who is not well-versed in the Rig Veda, who has not memorized the Yajur Veda, and who has not understood the Sama Veda cannot speak with such perfection. (Rama praising Hanuman's speech).